The Plano East Senior High Band has firmly established itself as one of the leading band programs in the state of Texas. In addition to twenty nine consecutive University Interscholastic League “Sweepstakes Awards” for Superior Ratings in marching, concert and sight reading competitions, the Plano East Bands have won top honors at nationally adjudicated festivals in St. Louis, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Winter Park and Breckenridge, Colorado. The Plano East Band has represented the State of Texas at the Four States Bandmasters Association Convention and was an invited participant in the 1984 Republican National Convention. The Plano East Wind Ensemble was selected as a featured performing group at the Mid West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2001. The Plano East “Marching Panthers” have garnered local, regional and state awards in marching band competitions which have culminated in being selected to compete at the Texas State Marching Band Championships in 1998 and 2000.

Through the efforts of students and directors, the Plano East Bands have firmly established a “Tradition of Excellence”.

BandsAll the members of the Band Program are assigned by audition to one of several concert bands that meet as academic classes. Auditions are held twice each year at the end of each semester. New students are auditioned upon arrival. Since there are no remedial classes at the senior high level, students are expected to have and maintain certain skills on their instruments in order to be successful, contributing members in their band class. Students not passing the initial audition will be given the opportunity to audition again at a later date. These students will be given specific instructions as to what must be done in order to qualify for one of the performing ensembles at Plano East.

Performances will be given periodically throughout the year at school, community, University Interscholastic League events and nationally adjudicated concert band festivals. All members will be expected to maintain the highest levels of responsibility and preparation.

Wind EnsemblePrerequisite: Audition by directorsThe Wind Ensemble is the top-performing ensemble at Plano East Senior High. Students will have the opportunity to continue their ensemble, musical and technical development at the most advanced levels. Attendance at all out-of-school rehearsals, clinics and performances is required.

Symphonic BandPrerequisite: Audition by directorsThe Symphonic Band offers the opportunity for continued development of individual and ensemble skills at an advanced level. Attendance at all out-of-school rehearsals, clinics and performances is required.

Concert BandPrerequisite: Audition by directorsThe Concert Band offers the opportunity for continued development of individual and ensemble skills. Attendance at all out-of-school rehearsals, clinics and performances is required.

Jazz EnsemblePrerequisite: Membership in the Plano East Band program; Audition by DirectorInstrumentation requirementsThe Jazz Ensemble is a group of selected student musicians interested in the study of music in the jazz idiom. The Jazz Ensemble will perform at concerts, community, PISD district functions and festivals throughout the year. Attendance at out-of-school rehearsals and performances is required.

Percussion ClassPrerequisite: Membership in the Plano East Band program; Audition by DirectorThe Percussion Class is offered during the fall semester only. All percussionists in the Plano East Band program are scheduled into this class, regardless of their placement in the concert bands. In addition to performing with the band at all scheduled events, percussionists participate in the preparation of percussion ensembles and present a Percussion Concert/Recital during the fall and spring semester.

Auditions are held during the fall semester for placement in the concert bands during the spring semester. Attendance at out of school rehearsals, clinics and performances is required.